Picking your Army MOS isn't just about what sounds cool. It's about what you actually qualify for. Every Army job has a specific set of line score requirements, and those line scores come directly from how you perform on the ASVAB subtests. If you don't know your line scores or don't understand what they mean, you're walking into a recruiter's office blind.

This guide breaks down Army MOS options by the line scores you need to qualify. Whether you're eyeing a career as a combat medic, an intelligence analyst, or a helicopter mechanic, you'll find the exact score thresholds below. And if your scores aren't where they need to be yet, that's fixable. Start by understanding , then build a plan to hit your targets.

Let's get into it.

How Army Line Scores Determine Your MOS Options

Before diving into specific jobs, you need to understand the system. The Army doesn't use your overall ASVAB score (the AFQT) to assign you a job. The AFQT only determines whether you can enlist at all. What actually determines your job options are line scores, sometimes called composite scores or aptitude area scores.

The Army calculates ten line scores from your performance on the nine ASVAB subtests. Each line score combines two or more subtest results into a single number. Here are the ten Army line scores:

• CL (Clerical)
• CO (Combat)
• EL (Electronics)
• FA (Field Artillery)
• GM (General Maintenance)
• GT (General Technical)
• MM (Mechanical Maintenance)
• OF (Operators and Food)
• SC (Surveillance and Communications)
• ST (Skilled Technical)

Each MOS requires you to meet or exceed a minimum score on one or more of these composites. Some jobs only require a single line score. Others require you to hit thresholds on two or even three.

The GT score deserves special attention because it's the gateway to the most competitive and high-paying Army jobs. Intelligence roles, special operations support, and linguist positions all require strong GT scores, often 110 or higher. If you're targeting those career fields, check out this deep dive on the .

Why Your Line Scores Matter More Than Your AFQT

Here's a scenario that trips people up constantly. You score a 72 on your AFQT, which is a solid score that puts you above roughly 72% of test takers. You walk into the recruiter's office feeling confident. But when you sit down to look at available jobs, you discover your GT score is only 98 and your EL score is 95. Suddenly, half the jobs you wanted are off the table.

That's because the AFQT is just four subtests (Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension), while line scores pull from the full range of nine subtests. You might crush the verbal sections but struggle on Mechanical Comprehension or Electronics Information. The result? A high AFQT but mediocre line scores in technical areas.

This is exactly why studying all nine ASVAB subtests matters, not just the four that feed your AFQT. The broader your strength across all subtests, the more MOS options open up to you.

Complete Army MOS Breakdown by Line Score Category

Below you'll find major Army MOS options organized by the primary line score they require. Keep in mind that the Army periodically adjusts requirements, so always verify with your recruiter or through the . These figures represent standard peacetime requirements and give you a reliable target for your study plan.

Combat and Infantry Jobs (CO Line Score)

Combat MOS options tend to have some of the lower line score thresholds, but don't let that fool you. These are physically and mentally demanding roles.

A CO score of 87 is achievable for most test takers who prepare across Auto & Shop, Mechanical Comprehension, and Verbal Expression. If you're scoring in the low 80s on practice tests, a focused two to three week study push can often close that gap.

Electronics and Signal Jobs (EL Line Score)

Electronics MOS options are among the most transferable to civilian careers. They also tend to require higher scores.

Notice the jump from combat roles. An EL of 107 for 94E means you need strong performance in General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, and Electronics Information. If any one of those subtests is weak, your composite suffers.

Skilled Technical and Medical Jobs (ST Line Score)

Medical and skilled technical roles are some of the most sought after in the Army. The 68-series (healthcare) MOS options are especially popular.

The 68W Combat Medic is one of the most commonly asked about MOS options. You need an ST score of 101, which means performing well on General Science, Verbal Expression, Mathematics Knowledge, and Mechanical Comprehension. Many aspiring medics underestimate the importance of the General Science subtest, so make sure you're studying biology, health, and physical science concepts alongside your math prep.

General Technical and Intelligence Jobs (GT Line Score)

GT-dependent jobs are where the competition gets fierce. These roles often lead to security clearances, advanced training, and strong post-military career prospects.

A GT of 110 is the magic number for many intelligence and special operations support roles. Since the GT score is calculated from just Verbal Expression and Arithmetic Reasoning, focused study on Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Arithmetic Reasoning can have an outsized impact on this composite.

Mechanical Maintenance and General Maintenance Jobs (MM/GM Line Scores)

Mechanical and maintenance jobs form the backbone of Army operations. These roles keep vehicles, aircraft, and weapons systems running.

Helicopter repairer roles (15-series) are popular because they translate directly to civilian aviation maintenance careers. But an MM of 104 means you need solid scores across Auto & Shop, Mechanical Comprehension, Electronics Information, and Mathematics Knowledge.

Building a Study Plan Around Your Target MOS

Now that you've seen the score requirements, the question becomes: how do you get there? A scattered, study-everything approach wastes time. A targeted plan gets you qualified faster.

Step 1: Identify Your Target MOS and Required Line Scores

Pick two or three MOS options that interest you. Write down every line score requirement. For example, if you want 68W (Combat Medic), you need ST 101. That means General Science, Verbal Expression, Mathematics Knowledge, and Mechanical Comprehension are your priority subtests.

If you want 35F (Intelligence Analyst), you need ST 101 and GT 107. Now you're adding Arithmetic Reasoning into the mix alongside everything in your ST composite.

Having backup MOS choices is smart because it gives you flexibility on selection day. Just make sure your study plan covers the overlapping subtests across all your choices.

Step 2: Take a Diagnostic Practice Test

You can't build a plan without knowing where you stand. Take a full-length ASVAB practice test and score each subtest individually. Then calculate your approximate line scores using the formulas above.

If your target MOS needs an ST of 101 and you're estimating an ST of 88, you know you have significant ground to cover. If you're at 96, you just need to sharpen a few areas.

let you practice by subject area so you can zero in on exactly the subtests that feed your required line scores. This is far more efficient than generic test prep.

Step 3: Prioritize Your Weakest Contributing Subtests

Look at the subtests that contribute to your required line scores. Which ones drag your composite down the most? Those are where your study hours should go first.

Here's a practical example. Let's say you want to qualify for 25B (Information Technology Specialist), which requires an EL of 93. Your subtest estimates look like this:

• General Science: 55
• Arithmetic Reasoning: 58
• Mathematics Knowledge: 44
• Electronics Information: 50

Your estimated EL composite is 207 out of a possible maximum, and you need it to be higher. Mathematics Knowledge at 44 is clearly the weakest link. Spending 60% of your study time on math concepts will yield the biggest improvement in your EL score.

Step 4: Study in Focused Blocks, Then Retest

Don't study for months without checking your progress. Study for 7 to 10 days, then take another practice test. Recalculate your line score estimates. Did your target composite go up? If yes, keep going. If not, adjust your approach.

This cycle of study, test, and adjust is the fastest way to reach your required scores. It also builds the kind of test-taking stamina that pays off on exam day.

What to Do When Your Scores Fall Short

Sometimes you take the ASVAB and your line scores don't hit the mark. That's not the end of the road. You have options.

First, understand that you can retake the ASVAB. After your initial test, you can retest after one month. After a second attempt, you wait another month. After a third attempt, you must wait six months. Each retest replaces your previous scores entirely, so make sure you're genuinely prepared before walking in again.

Second, consider whether your target MOS has alternative entry paths. Some MOS options offer waivers for candidates who score within a few points of the requirement, especially when those jobs have unfilled slots. Your recruiter can tell you whether a waiver is realistic for your situation.

Third, broaden your list of acceptable MOS options. If you're set on a medical career but your ST score is 95 instead of 101, look at 68D (Operating Room Specialist) or 68E (Dental Specialist), which only require an ST of 91. Once you're in the Army, you may have opportunities to reclass into your preferred MOS later.

Finally, if you're still in the planning stages before testing, you have the biggest advantage of all: time to prepare. For a broader view of what different branches require, the can help you compare Army requirements against Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps options.

The bottom line is this: your ASVAB line scores are the keys that unlock your Army career options. Every point matters, and every point is improvable with the right preparation. Know your target scores, study the subtests that feed them, and practice until you're confident. Your future MOS depends on it.